Maui Guidebook

Upcountry Maui – Quick Summary

Posted on 29. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

General Geographic Area: Upcountry Maui

In a nutshell: “Upcountry” is a term which describes not only a way of life, but much of the area on the Haleakala side of Maui away from the shoreline. The largest towns Upcountry are Pukalani, Makawao, Kula and Haiku. Although Upcountry is mostly rural, agricultural and residential, Upcountry Maui also offers…

Awapuhi Adventures

Posted on 19. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

Jumping into a tidepool

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In a nutshell: Highly personalized touring, hiking and adventures.
Minuses: High quality isn’t ever cheap.
Sound-bite: “We all felt like we had done something truly amazing, adventurous and memorable.”

Awapuhi Adventures is a small one-woman operation, and let me be the first to tell you that one woman is precisely who makes it so spectacular. Alicia (owner and guide) is a well versed naturalist and has such a passion for the island that is is infectious. Alicia also takes the time to understand your abilities, needs and desires before she designs the perfect adventure for you.

Since this is such a…Continue Reading

Haleakala Crater (Haleakala National Park Summit Area)

Posted on 28. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Standing at the Haleakala summit is like standing on Mars.

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In a nutshell: Haleakala Crater is the most popular attraction in Upcountry Maui. Stunning sunrises, panoramic out-of-this-world landscapes, birds-eye views of the Maui central valley, and flora and fauna that exist nowhere else in the world.
Minuses: The air is thin, and hiking here is not for…

Pi’iholo Ranch Zipline

Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Piiholo Zipline

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In a nutshell: Spectacular fly-by views of the forest, countryside, ocean and volcano.
Minuses: Not for the budget traveler.
Sound-bite: “It was like floating through the forest in a 40 MPH recliner!”

The Pi’iholo Ranch Zipline is the newest zipline course on Maui. Boasting five lines, including the longest side-by-side line in Hawaii… Continue Reading

Haleakala Bike Company

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

Downhill Bikers starting at Haleakala Summit.

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In a nutshell: Half the price of the competition, plus you won’t be herded like cattle.
Minuses: Riding on Maui’s narrow winding roads can be dangerous, especially if you haven’t been on a bike in a while.
Sound-bite: “We were so smug and thought ‘HA!’ every time we passed by one of the crowded guided…
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Ali’i Kula Lavender

Posted on 07. Jun, 2010 by Mark.

Lavender colored umbrellas are provided for shade or sprinkles.

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Rated #1 Gardens Upcountry

In a nutshell: A relaxing escape from the heat, where you can sip lavender teas alongside fairytale gardens.
Minuses: Testosterone kryptonite.
Sound-bite: “A wedding up here would be so enchanting!”

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Hike Maui

Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Surfing Goat Dairy

Posted on 01. Jun, 2010 by Mark.

Evening chores – round ‘em up!

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Rated #1 Goat Cheese in Hawaii

In a nutshell: An unusual mix of word-class award winning gourmet goat cheese and down-to-earth country-style mom-and-pop farm tour.
Minuses: (for some – you know who you are!) Hello, it’s a real farm!
Sound-bite: “We left with a heartwarming feeling about how a dairy goat operation can be sustained.” Continue Reading

Grandma’s Coffee House

Posted on 22. Jun, 2010 by Mark.

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Pony Express Tours

Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Photo by Ron Dahlquist

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Rated #1 Horseback Upcountry

In a nutshell: Horseback ride in the Martian terrain of Haleakala Crater.
Minuses: Those more interested in the sport of horseback riding beyond sightseeing transportation may be disappointed.
Sound-bite: “I’m so glad I did it. I felt like a kid again at summer camp!”

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Maui Hiking Safaris

Posted on 19. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Piiholo Ranch

Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Skyline Eco Adventures

Posted on 12. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Maui Sunriders Bike Co.

Posted on 05. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Maui Eco Adventures

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Hanzawa Store

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Fukushima Store

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Keokea through Ulupalakua

Posted on 23. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

Tedeschi Winery tasting room

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In a nutshell: A hearty breakfast or lunch, then off for scenic vistas, and wine tasting.
Minuses: The road in Ulupalakua is unforgiving if you become over-enthusiastic during the wine tasting!
Sound-bite: “They should call this ‘Paniolo soul food’, brah!”

This is a good side-trip to take after a Haleakala Crater sunrise trip, or during a planned Upcountry exploration day.…

Haleakala’s Back Side: Kipahulu to Ulupalakua

Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

Much of the road is a lumpy, bumpy, narrow patchwork of asphalt laid down over years, one shovel at a time.

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In a nutshell: If you like the road less traveled, continuing on past Hana around Haleakala is an adventure worth taking. In about the same amount of time as it would take you to go back…

Casanova

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Cruiser Phil’s Volcano Riders

Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Mountain Riders

Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Kula Botanical Garden

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Tedeschi Winery

Posted on 09. Jun, 2010 by Mark.

Tedeschi Winery tasting room

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Pleasant Diversion: Upcountry

In a nutshell: Maui’s only winery; a pleasant Upcountry diversion.
Minuses: Wine snobs may not love the offerings.
Sound-bite: “Pineapple wine?”

DETAILS:
For most, the Tedeschi Winery probably isn’t a destination in itself, but if you’re driving the Back Side of Haleakala or are looking for a diversion after the Haleakala Crater, Ali’i Kula Lavender or the Surfing Goat…

Makawao Town

Posted on 04. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

K Matsui Store building.

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In a nutshell: Makawao is a soulful little eclectic town, with more diversity in shops than you can count space for shops. Oh, and the best bakery in the state (and probably beyond.)
Minuses: Parking is tough, except at the non-central municipal lot.
Sound-bite: “Crossroads of Upcountry Maui.”

DETAILS:
Makawao is a old, Upcountry, Paniolo town.…

Stopwatch Sports Bar & Grill

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Pukalani Country Club

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Maui Downhill

Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Haiku Grocery Store

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Maui Mountain Cruisers

Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Enchanting Floral Gardens

Posted on 07. Jun, 2010 by Mark.

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Ekahi Tours (Haleakala)

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

Temptation Tours (Haleakala)

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

Polynesian Adventure Tours (Haleakala)

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

Thompson Ranch

Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Foodland

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Star Gazers Maui

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Kazemaui

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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